Purpose
To investigate an issue from an argumentative stance.
Audience
An informed academic audience.
Length
8 pages (2000 words), typed using 12 point font and double-spacing (plus Works Cited)
Remember: “Sources” move your arguments forward. If they merely provide background on your topic in general, they are merely helpful information.
Sources
8 credible sources cited; MLA or APA documentation. Sources may include print articles (books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets), interviews, documentary films, etc.
• Scholarly, peer reviewed sources are preferred
• ‘Soft’ sources (newspapers, Time, Newsweek) are allowed
• No more than three evaluated, credible websites.
Criteria for the Research Paper
• Contains an introduction paragraph that 1) introduces the issue being addressed, 2) identifies clearly the writer’s claim, 3) examines why this information is important to the specified audience, and 4) states the paper’s organization.
• Offers solid evidence to support the writer’s claim (statistics, facts, quotations, surveys).
• Represents and evaluates the opposing points of view fairly.
• Argues reasonably against the opposition and for the writer’s claim.
• Maintains a clear focus toward the established audience throughout the paper.
• Organizes the material presented in a coherent, logical manner.
• Contains a conclusion that utilizes one of the strategies described on p. 48 of Backpack Writing.
• Uses connectives, transitions, and paragraph hooks to achieve unity between ideas and paragraphs.
• Uses conventions of standard written English (appropriate diction, no omitted words, grammar, punctuation, spelling).
• Includes evidence of prewriting (freewrites, brainstorming sheets, clusters), drafts, criteria sheets, editing sheets, etc.
• Has used 8 or more resources in the essay itself and provides an accurately documented works cited page.
Begin your search with general reference materials (do not use these as sources, however):
• Use the Web to find topics (not as source material) – keyword searches, abstracts
• On the IPFW Helmke Library website, two good resources for exploring potential topics include the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center and CQ Researcher. This page includes links to these resources.
• General & specialized encyclopedias, atlases, bibliographies (some annotated)
• Broad overviews will help you focus and learn the main areas of argument regarding your topic
• General sources help identify specific issues and provide background info, begin developing thesis
• Topic specific will help advance your arguments
How to make sure your topic will fly:
• Are you really interested in this topic, or do you ever feel sick of it? If so, change; it’s not the right topic for you.
• Does your question have a significance that affects others? Is it debatable? Hint: it needs to be!
• Is the topic too wide or too narrow? Are you confident that you can fully cover it in 8 pages, or will the paper be too long or too general?
• Are you able to find resources on your topic?
Use your initial searches to establish a series of interrelated research questions, a draft thesis statement and possible conclusions.
Topic®Research Questions®Hypothesis (statement that your research can either support or challenge)
• You will be trying to answer an unanswered question. To begin, just write a paragraph about it.
• When researching, take note of the questions that run through your mind or that you find yourself asking.
• Form these ideas into a critical synthesis – a combination of opinions, interpretations, and evidence.
• You want to create an open discussion of various perspectives.
Developing Research questions – after initial brainstorming
• List the main questions and issues surrounding your topic.
• List the solutions that appear most often, write down a statement of what is at stake, and analyze your stance on the issue(s).
• Is there part of your topic that isn’t very well researched? Why? Your topic must be a legit concern; if you can’t find enough information, you probably need to refocus because you’re going down the wrong path.
• What other questions and controversies surround your topic? Why not write on one of these?
Once you have your topic, research questions, and hypothesis, complete the Research Project Topic Proposals.
Overdone Topics (aka – bbbooorrrriiiinnnggg, so don’t choose these topics)
• Gun control, death penalty, abortion, Obamacare/universal health care
• Euthanasia/doctor assisted suicide
• Cell phone use/texting while driving
• Effects of TV, music, video/computer games, etc. on anyone or anything
• Standardized testing
• Diseases, disorders & syndromes (depression, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, cancer)
• Most celebrity-related topics (including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump)
• Same-sex marriage or adoption
• Intelligent Design (Creationism) / Darwinism (Evolution)
• Medical marijuana/legalization of marijuana
• Alcohol/drug/child/spousal abuse (including DWI)
• Drinking/driving/draft age
• Any other overused, overly broad issue that you aren’t actually interested in or that doesn’t directly impact you.
Remember, it’s all in the focus. For example, AIDS as a topic is boring, but an analysis of US restrictions on aiding foreign relief efforts in Africa is interesting. Or AIDS treatment as a human rights issue.
Grading? An “A” paper will:
• Have reached the page length requirement.
• Have used proper citation and the required number of sources.
• Have thoroughly and fairly covered points in opposition to your own argument/analysis.
• Contain appropriate transitions, well-integrated quotes and tightly focused paragraphs.
• Include an introduction that skilfully sets the scene and states your topic & stance in a clear thesis statement.
• End with a brief but philosophical conclusion.
• For help clarifying the audience, click here.
• For help clarifying the purpose, click here.
• For help with topic choices, click here.
• Helmke’s website has a wealth of information to help you succeed!
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